The Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) was named 2019 Green SUV of the Year by Green Car Journal.

By EMMA JAYNE WILLIAMS

Mitsubishi introduced the Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) in the U.K. in 2014, and a refreshed version in the U.S. in 2016, with changes to boost the premium look and feel of the car.

For 2019, changes improve efficiency and performance, along with giving a better driving experience.

The Outlander PHEV offers the same space and practicality, along with an elevated driving position, as other compact SUVs. Standard all-wheel drive and 78 cubic feet of cargo space qualify Outlander PHEV as a proper SUV.

Located under the floor, the lithium-ion battery pack keeps the center of gravity low, while taking up no floor space. The battery pack does, however, prevent the addition of a third row of seats. Even in EV mode, having an electric motor for each axle means the Outlander PHEV is always a four-wheel drive vehicle.

The plug-in hybrid arrangement allows the Outlander to drive only on electric power for most daily commutes, with overnight external charging like other pure electric vehicles. But unlike pure electrics, it can switch to gasoline power when the battery runs down, like conventional hybrids.

Real-world EV driving range of about 28 miles on a full charge is ideal for short drives, and thanks to seamless integration of the gasoline engine there is no range anxiety, allowing for longer rides – including highway trips — without worry.

Two models are available: the basic SEL ($35,795) and upgraded GT ($41,495).

For 2019, Outlander PHEV receives some exterior and interior updates and enhancements, along with improvements to suspension, reductions in noise/vibration/harshness, and better overall ride quality.

There is a redesigned grille, new bolder gray lower front bumper accents, and new rectangular fog light bezels, connected to vertical accents under the all-new “technical look” LED headlights (GT gets LED high beams).

The 2.0-liter engine has been replaced with a larger, more powerful yet fuel-sipping 2.4-liter, and the electric motor on the rear axle also gets a power boost. The larger battery – up from 12 kWh to 13.8 – gives the Outlander the 28-mile range on electricity alone.

Total system output is 197 horsepower. The gasoline engine running by itself is rated at 25 mpg, slightly less than the regular four-cylinder Outlander with AWD.

With Super All Wheel Control (Mitsubishi’s own full-time AWD) the driver can select “Normal” for daily driving; “Snow”; “Sport,” for spirited driving; and “4WD Lock,” for when more traction is needed.

Charging times are improved as well: conventional 120-volt system, less than eight hours (Level 1); 240-volt system, less than four hours (Level 2); and 80 percent fast charging at a DC Fast Charging station, around 25 minutes (Level 3).

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has room for up to five passengers, and can drive about 28 miles on a full external charge of its lithium-ion battery pack. Range is extended to that of a regular hybrid with the included gasoline engine.

The Outlander PHEV has two charging ports – one for Level 1 and 2 plugs; and a larger one for Level 3. This is for now the only PHEV with fast-charging capability. A switchable Level 1/Level 2 charging cable is standard, with a Level 3 charging cable available for use with a professionally installed charging station. The charge door is illuminated and lockable.

Suspension has been revised to improve the low-speed ride, a new Sport mode brings sharper throttle response and more grip during cornering, revised steering is also more responsive, larger front disc brakes improve brake power, and new Snow mode improves launch and cornering on slippery surfaces, while revised traction control improves hill-climbing.

The new Outlander PHEV is quieter and more refined, with inlet and exhaust-system enhancements and a body shell that is more rigid.

Redesigned front bucket seats have thicker bolsters, the driver has a new switch for Super-All Wheel Control and a dedicated Sport mode switch, with most of the switch gear relocated for ease of use and a new gauge cluster to keep the driver better informed.

Regenerative braking during normal deceleration is a standard feature of hybrid vehicles, with the electric motors automatically working as generators.

Outlander PHEV allows the driver to control the strength of engine braking using paddles behind the steering wheel, with settings from B0 to B5 determining how much power is restored into the battery. This allows for balancing the level of braking with the amount of momentum the driver wishes to maintain.

Aggressive braking/regeneration can hold the Outlander at 50 mph down a moderate grade without any power draw. A low-battery warning light let me know it was time to recharge at home.

The driver can active Save mode to preserve as much battery charge as possible or Charge mode to ensure maximum electric range (charge mode will increase fuel consumption, unfortunately).

Outlander offers three drive modes, all activated by the PHEV system. EV mode is all-electric, eco-friendly, and efficient, with the electric motor taking priority over the gasoline – ideal for in-town driving. EV also works at maintained highway speeds for short periods.

In Series Hybrid, the engine assists the motor when a little more power is needed –uphill, in the city when the battery is low, and on the highway for long periods.

Parallel Hybrid mode uses the engine with occasional assist from the motor, mostly at higher speeds, such as passing on the highway.

There was no map-based GPS, but Outlander displayed the vehicle’s GPS coordinates, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto worked as a navigation replacement. Voice controls were frustrating, unable to understand or perhaps separate voice from ambient noise inside the vehicle.

A smartphone remote app can customize vehicle settings such as a charging schedule, remote climate control, vehicle status monitor, and more using a Local Area Network. The vehicle and wireless device communicate directly, after being registered and synced.

Mitsubishi Motors’ Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution cell body construction absorbs energy and maintains exceptional cabin integrity in case of a crash, thanks in part to generous use of high-tensile-strength steel plates. In case of a crash, Outlander PHEV has a high-voltage cut-off system to help protect passengers and first responders.

In EV mode the vehicle is very quiet. At highway speeds, however, wind and road noise come through, and the gasoline engine has a harsh buzz.

The ride overall was a little spongy, and rough over bumpy roads.

Inside, the Outlander was roomy, with good visibility. The 30.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat was good for weekly shopping and pet supplies. Wide wheel wells, however, would have limited hauling DIY supplies such as plywood. We didn’t have as many little cubbies and pockets as we would like for phones and other small items.

There is a fully transferable five-year/60,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty, and a new 10-year/100,000-mile PHEV components and main drive battery warranty, which covers deterioration in battery capacity.